A MAN charged with the murder of former Kent pub landlady Julie Butler has appeared in court accused of having sexual intercourse with a dead body.

David Kirsch, of Western Road, Aldershot, appeared at Aldershot Magistrates' Court in Hampshire where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Kirsch, 41, who has been remanded in custody to Winchester Prison, is due to have his case heard via video link at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court today (Friday).

Kirsch is also due to enter a plea regarding the murder of Ms Butler at Winchester Crown Court next Friday (January 18).

Ms Butler, 49, ran the Little Crown public house in Chatham High Street until three years ago when she left to start a new life in Hampshire. She had previously worked at the White Lion pub, also in Chatham High Street.

Her body was discovered on October 10 last year, at the Imperial Standard pub, in Aldershot, where she worked.